Somerset Gets The HBPW Treatment

HBPW will soon have left its indelible mark on Taunton’s new multi million pounds Northern Inner Distributor Road in Somerset, thanks to a major bridge design contract.

The firm has been tasked with designing the new Chip Lane footbridge and two road bridges – Firepool and Kinston Loop – as part of the scheme, which is being led by principal contractor, Carillion plc on behalf of Somerset County Council.

HBPW Principal Engineer, Dian Coleman, who is leading the design of the three structures, said: “Chip Lane Footbridge has a 40 meter span and is of steel Warren Truss construction. The bridge will cross both the existing  railway and the new Northern Inner Distributor Road (NIDR).

“It replaces an existing footbridge, however, unlike the old structure, this one will feature a combined footbridge and cycle way with improved disability access thanks to the provision of wider access, ramps and stairs.

“Firepool is a curved multi span plate girder bridge – making for a more complex design – and  will cross both the River Tone and the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.

“Kingston Loop bridge is a more modest structure,” added Dian, “and is centred on a disused railway bridge which is very much part of the local landscape. Visually it will remain as it always has, with the original Victorian steel side girders left in place and refurbished as part of the scheme. However, a pre cast beam deck will be introduced between the existing girders to carry the new NIDR highway.”

HBPW is exploring a value engineering opportunity of reusing the existing masonry abutments in place of the current scheme proposal which involves the construction large new piled abutments.